One of the finest anticipatory debut EPs released. NYC four-piece the Dough Rollers filters the blues through a classic rock vein, ala Jack White, and features stripped-down melodies, a swaggering balled-fist on the mic and simmering lyrics that give attention to affection, in a typical blues hallmark. Singer Malcolm Ford breathes fire into the mic, which is often showered in grit and windy Southern howls. The album storms from the start with the title track, featuring blistering riffs in service to CCR, like an album set in ’70s-era Scorsese film.

Every album turn leads to another surprising hook; thumping drums simmer for a tightened guitar strut and a bass wallop like timber across the face. Ford bursts the throbbing rhythm and driving percussion with woozy, arching tones – think Gary Clark, Jr. and the Black Keys. “Friend of Mine” maintains the cool within its ominous bass hook before the rhythm pries for Ford’s heady swoon, singing, “I want to love you each and every day / No matter what you say / …I want to be your stallion,” lacing into one of the most infectious blues guitar hooks to broil outside a Louisiana dive bar.

Engineered by Dikayl RimmaschRecorded and mixed at PIVVN Studios by Nurse Diesel Mastered at Modulus StudiosProduced by Nurse Diesel and Josh HommeFollow on Twitter @thedoughrollers